Changing the Diet of our Speech

Changing the Diet of our Speech

Can you imagine eating manna for forty years? I don’t imagine the Hebrew people who wandered the wilderness for forty years had recipes for Honey Coriander Manna. Eating is a pleasure that we take for granted, imagine how figs must have tasted once the Israelites arrived in the Promised Land. What was God trying to teach the Israelites by feeding them only manna and quail?

Perhaps the entire lesson that God wanted them to learn was that of thankfulness. It is human nature, unfortunately, is to find reasons to complain. Because our sinful nature is to find problems, complaints, offenses and negativity we often fail to look at our lives through the lenses of thankfulness. There will always be a problem to complain or worry about. In the midst of the problem however, there is a provision. God wants us to allow our spiritual man to grow bigger and stronger than our emotions, thoughts, and feelings. Thankfulness is innate to our spirits. Finding God’s provisions and blessings will overtake our human inclination to grumble and complain.

God tells us in His word that every word we speak is written in our books, the stories of our lives, (Revelations 20:12). What a beautiful book He would write if our thoughts, deeds and words were full of thankfulness, grace and blessing. Bless yourself, your children, and your spouse. Connect with the Holy Spirit who dwells within you...what a difference you will see as you call forth greatness in their lives and in your life. Be thankful always!

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:18

Serving Your Family

Serving


One of the major differences between slavery and freedom is free choice, which is completely unheard of in a slave’s life. God does not intend for His children to live in slavery. Even in the Old Testament God was greatly displeased with the bondage that the Hebrews, were under. He wants believers to exercise their free choice. The Israelites worked under harsh conditions while they lived in Egypt. Once they left Egypt God asked that they serve Him. Slaves became servants, and believe it or not, there is quite a difference between the two roles.

God wants us to evolve in relationship with Him. He wants us to understand that we were once a slave to sin, then a servant of Christ, (Romans 1:1), then a friend of God, (John 15:15). God still wants us to serve Him by doing His work among our families and society, but He also wants us to know His heart and share in His secrets, like that of a friend.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.      Colossians 3:23-24

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.      
                                                                                                                                     John 15:15


Colossians 3:23, does not say, because you work you will receive the inheritance, it states, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance. What are the terms of inheritance in this scripture?

It might be said that you wear different hats as you walk with the Lord. You will serve Him, but Jesus also wants you positioned with Him as His friend. We serve those we love. Consider the role of parenthood and how as parents you serve your families. You bless the Lord as you serve but you also set an example to your children as you serve them and provide guidance, love and encouragement. You are given the privilege to choose serving your family. Ask your children what they see when you serve them. What are the services you commit to participate in as the friend of Christ and a child of God?